RISK ASSESSMENT FOR: CLEANING

Establishment: Assessment by: Date:

1st Review Date Due : Manager Approval: Date:

Hazard / Risk Who is at How can the Normal Control Measures Are Normal Control
Risk? hazards cause Measures Y/N/NA
harm? In Place Adequate

General lifting Caretaker Cuts / abrasions,  Specific Manual handling assessment carried out
and carrying Colleagues muscular skeletal for all one off tasks presenting significant risk / for
Pupils and other physical individuals with medical conditions etc.
Visitors injuries
 Training given in correct lifting techniques.
 Manual handling minimised as far as possible,
broken down into smaller loads / assistance sought.
 Appropriate footwear worn
 Mechanical lifting aids available (trolleys etc.)
 Good housekeeping and workplace layout.
 Heavy items stored at waist level.
 Good housekeeping to be maintained
 Floor surfaces unobstructed and slip free

Cleaning using Caretaker Cuts / abrasions,  Manual Handling Assessment carried out for use of
equipment Colleagues muscular skeletal floor buffer etc.
Children and other physical  Training given in correct procedure for use of such
Visitors injuries equipment
 Any specific training / instruction requirements
identified
Use of electrical Caretaker Electrical shock  Pre-use check conducted by users
equipment Colleagues Burns  Electrical equipment subject to regular safety
Children Fire inspection and test ('PAT testing')
Visitors  Trailing leads kept to a minimum. Use extension
Power leads leads and adaptors only where necessary.
present a tripping  Use nearest available socket to reduce need for
hazard (Cuts / extension leads
abrasions,  Mains powered portable equipment to be protected
muscular skeletal by RCD in higher risk situations, e.g., equipment
and other physical used outside or in wet conditions, and for
injuries) equipment where there is a risk of cables being
severed.
 System for reporting faults and taking equipment
out of service in place
Use of cleaning Cleaning Irritation / harm to  Less hazardous chemicals used wherever possible.
chemicals / staff eyes, nose and  Material Safety Data Sheet for substances obtained
detergents Colleagues upper respiratory from supplier and guidance followed.
Children tract  COSHH Assessment completed for all hazardous
Visitors chemicals and control measures implemented.
Skin sensitisation /  Appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (eg.
disorders gloves, goggles etc.) provided and worn where
identified in COSHH assessment.
 Chemicals stored appropriately and access
restricted when in use. Activities undertaken
outside of school hours where possible.
 Immediate cleaning up of any spillage
 All containers clearly labelled
 Always read the labels before using Harmful
Substances.
Exposure to Cleaning Disease/infections  Potential hazardous waste e.g. vomit / bodily
communicable staff fluids must be disposed of correctly and surfaces
diseases Colleagues properly disinfected.
Children  Disposable gloves and aprons used for all
Visitors activities that may result in contamination of
clothing with blood, body fluids or faeces.
 Such PPE is double bagged and disposed of
appropriately after a single use.
 Waste collections for clinical waste
 Adequate provision for hand washing (soap hot
water) readily available.
 All wounds on exposed skin are suitably covered.

Slips trips and Cleaning Cuts / abrasions,  All spillages to be dealt with immediately.
falls staff muscular skeletal  Wet floor signs to be used when appropriate
Colleagues and other physical  Dry mop floors after cleaning up initial spillage.
Children injuries  Appropriate footwear worn
Visitors  Pupils, visitors etc to be kept away from spill area
during cleaning.
 Adequate external lighting during working hours

Lone working – Caretaker Accident / injury,  Ensure there is adequate lighting. If possible follow
working in school Colleagues Physical assault, different procedure daily.
alone in isolated Children delayed assistance  On site security system, controlled access to
locations Visitors in emergency building e.g. through coded doors etc.
 Challenging unknown visitors where safe to do so.
Cuts / abrasions,  Mobile phone carried
muscular skeletal  Reduce time spent working alone so far as is
and other physical reasonably practicable.
injuries
 Notify manager of start time and when finished. Only
agreed risk tasks to be undertaken, Avoid high risk
activities (e.g. working at height);
 Additional Control Measures Action by Whom Action by When Action Completed Residual
(to take account of local/individual circumstances (list the name of the (set timescales for the (record the actual Risk
including changes such as working practices, person/people who have been completion of the date of completion for Rating
equipment, staffing levels). designated to conduct actions) actions – remember to each action listed)
prioritise them)

DATE OF REVIEW: COMMENTS:

Record actual date of review Record any comments reviewer wishes to make. Including recommendations for future reviews.

DATE OF COMMENTS:
REVIEW:

DATE OF COMMENTS:
REVIEW:

RESIDUAL RISK RATING ACTION REQUIRED

VERY HIGH (VH) Strong likelihood of fatality / serious injury
occurring
HIGH (H) Possibility of fatality/serious injury occurring
MEDIUM (M) Possibility of significant injury or over 3 day absence
occurring
LOW (L) Possibility of minor injury only
The activity must not take place at all.
You must identify further controls to reduce the risk rating.
You must identify further controls to reduce the risk rating.
Seek further advice, e.g. from your H&S Team
If it is not possible to lower risk further, you will need to consider
the risk against the benefit. Monitor risk assessments at this rating
more regularly and closely.
No further action required.